Holmegaard Værk
Denmark's largest glass museum where 200 years of design history meets contemporary craftsmanship in a living industrial landscape.
Holmegaard Værk is a newly opened museum in South Zealand celebrating nearly 200 years of Danish glass and ceramic design. Housed in the preserved buildings of Denmark's most important glassworks, the museum features over 42,000 unique Holmegaard glass pieces, 6,000 Kähler ceramics, and live glassblowing demonstrations in a modern hotshop. Visitors can explore the history of iconic Danish designers, listen to personal stories from former glassworkers, and watch skilled artisans create contemporary glass art.
A brief summary to Holmegaard Værk
- Glasværksvej 55, Holmegaard, 4684, DK
- +4570701236
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 4 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Arrive early to secure a spot for the glassblowing demonstrations in the hotshop, as these sessions attract significant crowds and viewing space is limited.
- Download the museum's podcast series before your visit to listen to glassworker stories as you explore the exhibitions—this adds profound context to the pieces on display.
- Allow time to walk through the idyllic glass village surrounding the museum, where historic workers' cottages and the surrounding Holmegaard Mose landscape provide atmospheric context.
- Check the museum's website for information about temporary special exhibitions, which rotate seasonally and offer international contemporary art alongside the permanent collections.
- Visit the museum shop to purchase authentic Holmegaard and Kähler pieces still in production, or browse design books exploring Danish industrial history.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Train from Copenhagen
Regional trains depart Copenhagen Central Station toward Næstved approximately every 30–60 minutes. Journey time is 50–70 minutes. From Næstved Station, the museum is approximately 3 kilometers away. Local bus services or taxi are required for the final leg; taxi fares typically range from 80–120 Danish Krone. Train tickets cost approximately 120–180 Danish Krone one-way.
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Car from Copenhagen
Drive south from Copenhagen via the E20 motorway toward Næstved, approximately 70 kilometers. Journey time is 50–70 minutes depending on traffic conditions. Follow signs toward Holmegaard or use GPS coordinates 55.287, 11.815. Free parking is available at the museum site. Fuel costs and motorway tolls (if applicable) should be considered.
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Guided tour from Copenhagen
Several tour operators offer half-day and full-day excursions from Copenhagen to Holmegaard Værk, typically including transportation, museum entry, and guided commentary. Tours depart in the morning and return by late afternoon. Prices generally range from 400–600 Danish Krone per person, including entry fees.
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Bicycle from Næstved
Næstved is connected to Holmegaard by regional cycling routes through South Zealand's scenic landscape. The route is approximately 3–4 kilometers and takes 15–25 minutes depending on fitness level and terrain. The route is relatively flat and suitable for standard bicycles. Bicycle rental is available in Næstved town center for approximately 50–100 Danish Krone per day.
Holmegaard Værk location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Holmegaard Værk
A Living Monument to Danish Industrial Design
Holmegaard Værk stands as a testament to nearly two centuries of Danish craftsmanship and innovation. Founded in 1825 by Countess Henriette Danneskiold-Samsøe, the original glassworks transformed the small settlement of Fensmark into what is now known as the City of Glass. The factory operated continuously until 2008, employing up to 1,200 workers at its peak and establishing itself as Denmark's most significant glassworks. Today, the museum preserves this industrial heritage while breathing new life into the historic site, creating a bridge between the past and contemporary glass artistry. The location itself holds profound significance within the landscape of South Zealand. Built on the edge of Holmegaard Mose, the original factory ingeniously used peat from the surrounding moorland as fuel for its glass furnaces—a sustainable practice that connected the enterprise directly to its environment. This symbiotic relationship between industry and nature shaped not only the factory's operations but also the entire community that grew around it.The Evolution from Utility to Artistic Expression
During its early decades, Holmegaard produced practical glassware—milk bottles, marmalade jars, and everyday vessels that served functional purposes in Danish households. The pivotal transformation came in the 1950s and 1960s, when the company enlisted renowned designers to elevate glass production beyond mere utility. Jacob E. Bang, considered Denmark's first industrial designer, spearheaded this creative renaissance, collaborating with other visionary artists to create iconic pieces that would define Danish design internationally. The Provence bowl, Ship's Glass range, Lotus candle holder, and Blixen vase emerged from this era, becoming cherished relics of Danish cultural history and establishing Holmegaard as a leader in Scandinavian modernism.An Unparalleled Collection of Glass and Ceramics
The museum's most striking feature is its monumental display of 42,000 individual Holmegaard glass pieces—one example of every design ever produced by the factory. These pieces are arranged on towering shelves that rise seven meters high and stretch forty meters wide, creating an overwhelming visual testament to the factory's prolific output and design diversity. Complementing this collection is a permanent exhibition of 6,000 Kähler ceramic works, representing the largest collection of Kähler ceramics in the Nordic region. Together, these collections span two centuries of Danish domestic life, revealing how design shaped everyday experiences and aesthetic values across generations. The museum also houses the Hebsgaard Hall, a 960-square-metre installation dedicated to the work of famed glazier Per Steen Hebsgaard and his collaborations with major Danish artists including Bjørn Nørgaard, Per Kirkeby, and Erik A. Frandsen. These monumental glass art installations demonstrate the evolution of glass from functional object to fine art medium.Contemporary Craftsmanship in the Modern Hotshop
Beyond historical preservation, Holmegaard Værk functions as a living workshop where contemporary glass artists continue the traditions established over nearly two centuries. The newly constructed modern hotshop invites visitors to witness skilled glassmakers at work, transforming glowing lumps of molten glass into delicate champagne flutes, artistic vases, and elegant sculptural forms. Guest artists rotate through the facility, ensuring that the furnaces remain active centers of creativity rather than silent monuments. This integration of working artisans within the museum space creates an immersive experience where visitors can feel the heat of the furnaces and observe the demanding physical and artistic processes involved in glassblowing.Stories of the Glassworkers
The museum enriches its narrative through personal testimony. An ongoing podcast series features intimate stories from former glassworkers who experienced the factory's golden age sixty years ago. As visitors move through the exhibitions, they can listen to these voices, connecting the objects on display to the human experiences that created them. This oral history approach transforms the collection from a static display into a dynamic dialogue between past and present, honoring the generations of workers whose skill and dedication built Holmegaard's international reputation.Design Legacy and Contemporary Relevance
Although the original factory ceased operations in 2008, Holmegaard's design legacy endures through its acquisition by Danish ceramic giant Rosendahl, which continues to reproduce and reissue the company's most celebrated designs. This continuity ensures that iconic pieces remain accessible to new generations of collectors and design enthusiasts. The museum itself has become a focal point for art, creativity, and cultural preservation, recognized for its work in maintaining local heritage while establishing itself as a major destination for design tourism in Scandinavia.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Næstved Station
6.9 km
Explore the evolution of Danish and international design at Copenhagen's historic Designmuseum Danmark.
Visit Sydsjælland & Møn
7.2 km
Discover the stunning landscapes and rich culture of Sydsjælland & Møn, a unique Danish destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
Genforeningssten i Næstelsø
8.9 km
Experience the vibrant history and charm of Copenhagen's iconic Nyhavn waterfront.
Hans-Jørgen Færks Plads
9.3 km
Medieval market town square where Danish history, culture, and modern commerce converge in southern Zealand.
Genforeningssten i Saltø Skov
10.9 km
A granite memorial stone marking Denmark's 1920 reunification with South Jutland, standing at a forest crossroads near Næstved.
Vallø Slotskro
28.1 km
Explore Denmark's largest private engine collection and maritime heritage at Maskinrummet in Skagen.
Befrielsessten i Køge
29.7 km
A solemn memorial to Denmark's liberation from Nazi occupation, standing in Køge's historic market square.
Comwell Køge Strand
29.8 km
Historic lighthouse and world-class bird observatory at Denmark’s northern tip, with sweeping sea views, immersive exhibitions, and a welcoming café.
VisitKøges selvbetjente turistbureau
29.8 km
An iconic 19th-century lighthouse at Denmark’s northern tip, famed for panoramic views, migrating birds, and immersive maritime and nature exhibits.
Køge Torv
29.9 km
Denmark's largest medieval town square, where seven centuries of history unfold on cobblestones.
Visit
29.9 km
Historic lighthouse and bird observatory at Denmark’s northern tip, with panoramic sea views, interactive nature exhibits, and a vibrant café in wild coastal surroundings.
Mindesmærke for slagene i Køge Bugt
30.1 km
Harbourfront monument where stone, sea breeze and maritime symbols keep the naval battles of Køge Bugt and their admirals alive on Køge’s working waterfront.
“Slaget i Køge Bugt”
30.1 km
Harbourfront monument on Køge’s quay, quietly marking the dramatic naval battles once fought in the bay where today only fishing boats and leisure craft glide.
Køge Church
30.1 km
Medieval tower, Denmark's first lighthouse, baroque treasures in a historic port town.
KØS Museum of Art in Public Spaces
30.1 km
A must-visit in Skagen, Denmark, the Bamsemuseum enchants visitors with a vast collection of teddy bears and playful exhibits, celebrating nostalgia and Danish culture.
Unmissable attractions to see
Holmegårds Mose
1.2 km
Ancient raised bog, Stone Age archaeology and quiet wildlife trails meet in this restored wetland wilderness on Zealand, where peat, glass and nature share the same story.
BonBon-Land
4.2 km
Cheeky candy characters, looping coasters and green picnic lawns combine at BonBon-Land, Denmark’s quirky countryside theme park for all ages.
Genforeningssten i Herlufsholm
5.5 km
Borgnakke Skov: A serene Næstved woodland blending ancient oak trees, rich biodiversity, and tranquil walking trails—an essential outdoor escape in southern Zealand.
Herlufsholm broerne
5.6 km
Små historiske broer, stille Suså-vand og grønt ådalslandskab gør Herlufsholm broerne til et roligt, lokalt åndehul i udkanten af Næstved.
Herlufsholm Park
6.4 km
Riverside tranquility along the Suså, where Danish heritage meets natural woodland.
Ladby Kirkeruin
6.4 km
Quiet medieval church ruins on a low hill outside Næstved, where low stone walls, old graves and wide rural views evoke centuries of village life and worship.
Councilman Garden / Herlufsholm Forest
6.5 km
Protected Danish woodland sanctuary with riverside trails and 460 years of educational heritage.
Medicinsk-historisk Museum
6.7 km
A small 1817 hospital turned medical time capsule, showcasing instruments, stories and healing plants that trace the evolution of healthcare in Næstved and beyond.
Vægmaleri
6.8 km
Experience Danish heritage and contemporary art amid tranquil parkland at Rønnebæksholm, Næstved’s historic manor turned vibrant cultural hub.
Grønnegades Kaserne Kulturcenter
6.9 km
Historic cavalry barracks turned vibrant cultural village with concert halls, theatre, galleries and a family‑friendly atmosphere in the heart of Næstved.
Befrielsessten i Næstved
6.9 km
A modest granite liberation stone in Næstved’s former cavalry barracks, framed by cannons and culture, quietly honouring Denmark’s freedom in 1945.
Slægtsten
7.0 km
Næstved’s former barracks transformed into a dynamic cultural center, hosting concerts, exhibitions, festivals, and community events in historic surroundings.
Næstved Museum
7.0 km
Compact town museum in historic Næstved, tracing South Zealand’s journey from archaeological finds and medieval streets to Holmegaard glass and modern everyday life.
Mindesten for Peder Bodilsen
7.0 km
Historic military barracks turned bustling cultural center, Grønnegades Kaserne Kulturcenter is Næstved’s hub for arts, music, theater, and creative events all year round.
Rådmandshaven
7.1 km
Tranquil riverside meadows and woodland paths just behind Næstved’s town buildings, offering easy walks, open lawns and calm Suså River views steps from the centre.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Gulerodshuset
3.8 km
Rural-feel restaurant on the outskirts of Næstved, serving hearty Danish classics and group-friendly buffets in a cosy, countryside-style setting.
Bone's Næstved
3.8 km
Family-friendly American BBQ in Næstved with signature ribs, hearty steaks and an all-you-can-eat salad and soft ice bar in relaxed, spacious surroundings.
Tokyo Running Sushi Storcenter
4.3 km
Casual conveyor‑belt sushi and hot dishes in the middle of Næstved Storcenter, ideal for an easy all‑you‑can‑eat break between shopping rounds.
Madtemplet Skovens Restaurant
5.7 km
Traditional Danish cooking and flexible event spaces nestled by Herlufsholm Forest, where hearty meals and green surroundings meet just outside central Næstved.
Restaurant The Grill Næstved
6.1 km
All‑you‑can‑eat grill and brunch buffets inside Bowl’n’Fun Næstved, where family‑friendly dining, bowling and games come together under one lively roof.
The Italian
6.9 km
Authentic southern Italian cooking, charcoal-grilled specialities and a warm, candlelit atmosphere on Næstved’s historic Kvægtorvet square.
Ristorante Italia
6.9 km
Longstanding Italian favourite by Næstved Station, serving pizzas, pastas and hearty grills in a warm, family-friendly setting since 1989.
The Burger Næstved
6.9 km
Casual Danish burger joint in Næstved serving brioche‑bun classics, generous sides and easy takeaway in a relaxed, mid‑range neighborhood setting.
Café & Bar - Fenomeno (Næstved)
6.9 km
Central Næstved café‑bar serving burgers, pasta and drinks in a relaxed, all‑day setting just steps from the station.
GuGu Quest
6.9 km
Compact central Næstved sushi spot with generous rolls, flexible combo menus and a strong takeaway focus for easy, modern dining.
Foodlovers
6.9 km
Fixed‑price Italian‑inspired buffet with free‑flow drinks and desserts in bright, plant‑filled surroundings on Dania 42 in Næstved.
Il Ponte
6.9 km
Næstved's authentic wood-fired pizzeria serving hand-crafted Italian pizza with crispy crusts and quality toppings.
Broadway Burgers
7.0 km
Flame-grilled comfort in central Næstved, serving generous American-style burgers, fries and dips in a relaxed, no-fuss setting on busy Jernbanegade.
Tatami Sushi
7.0 km
Modern, casual sushi in the heart of Næstved, combining classic rolls, warm Asian dishes and easy takeaway from a bright, centrally located dining room.
MA TEO Madbar Næstved
7.0 km
Authentic Neapolitan pizza and Italian cuisine in the heart of Næstved's dining scene.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Dansk
3.9 km
Big-box family clothing on a budget-friendly scale, Dansk Outlet Næstved keeps locals and travellers kitted out for Danish weather and everyday life in one easy stop.
Dissing
4.2 km
Contemporary men’s style in the heart of Næstved Storcenter, blending smart-casual Scandinavian looks with the convenience of South Zealand’s largest mall.
H&M
4.2 km
Bright, budget-friendly Scandinavian fashion for all ages inside Næstved’s main shopping centre, ideal for quick wardrobe updates during a wider mall visit.
Matinique Næstved
4.2 km
Crisp Scandinavian menswear and modern tailoring, tucked inside South Zealand’s largest shopping centre at Næstved Storcenter.
Shop Næstved
4.3 km
Southern Zealand's largest shopping center with 70+ stores, dining, and family entertainment.
Næstved Storcenter
4.3 km
South Zealand's premier shopping destination with 70+ stores, free parking, and regional reach.
Arabisk Butik
7.1 km
Compact Middle Eastern–inspired grocery in central Næstved, packed with spices, rice, fresh produce and everyday essentials for curious cooks and locals alike.
INTERSPORT Seiffert Næstved
7.1 km
Central Næstved sports store on Hjultorv, offering practical gear, expert shoe fitting and everyday activewear for locals and visitors alike.
Johs. Clausen Næstved
7.1 km
Classic women’s fashion and lingerie on Næstved’s central square, offering quality European brands, attentive service, and a relaxed boutique atmosphere on Hjultorv.
Frelsens Hær Næstved
7.1 km
A modest, community-focused Salvation Army thrift shop in central Næstved, where second-hand finds support local social work and everyday Danish life.
Butik ØLUND
7.1 km
Slow fashion boutique in central Næstved with curated Scandinavian brands, timeless designs and personal styling in an intimate, minimalist setting.
Kræmmerhus ApS
7.1 km
A cosy Næstved specialty shop where fine coffee, tea, chocolates and delicacies meet beautifully wrapped gifts and personalised, old-fashioned service.
Femilet
7.2 km
Specialist lingerie and loungewear boutique in central Næstved, offering expert fitting, Scandinavian comfort and elegant essentials for everyday wear.
Karabulut
7.2 km
A compact, no‑frills neighborhood store on Torvestræde in central Næstved, ideal for quick snacks and everyday essentials between sights and errands.
Bog & idé Langes Boghandel - Næstved
7.2 km
Generations of books, games, and gifts in the heart of historic Næstved.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Bodega Dueslaget
6.9 km
Traditional Danish neighborhood bodega in Næstved, serving cold beers, simple drinks and plenty of local atmosphere from morning until late on weekends.
Grønvej 2 Næstved ApS
6.9 km
Unpretentious neighborhood bodega in Næstved serving cold beer, simple spirits and everyday local atmosphere on a quiet side street off the town’s commercial core.
Birk´s Bar
6.9 km
Næstved's authentic neighborhood pub where community, billiards, and genuine hospitality thrive.
Sct. Jørgens Jazzklub
7.0 km
Volunteer-run jazz club in Næstved’s historic barracks courtyard, hosting intimate live concerts in the cosy Musikstalden hall at Grønnegades Kaserne Kulturcenter.
The Beach
7.0 km
Næstved's vibrant karaoke bar where everyone becomes a star in a tropical-themed celebration of music and community.
Landsby Pubben
7.0 km
A classic Næstved "værtshus" with cold beer, billiards and a lived-in charm that turns a simple drink into a slice of local everyday life.
Cheers
7.1 km
Næstved's cozy social hub where genuine Danish hospitality meets lively evening atmosphere.
Step Inn I / S
7.1 km
Long‑running Irish pub in central Næstved, blending cosy wooden interiors, sociable pints and late‑night weekend vibes on historic Ramsherred.
The Old Irish Pub
7.1 km
Authentic Irish pub energy in central Næstved, open late Friday and Saturday with live music and draught beer.
Bar z
7.1 km
Cosy late-night bar in central Næstved, blending easygoing drinks, music and a compact club vibe on weekend evenings along historic Ramsherred.
Champagne Riget
7.1 km
Næstved's premier champagne bar where curated bubbles meet refined gastronomy in elegant surroundings.
Underhuset
7.2 km
A classic Danish bodega on Næstved’s Axeltorv, blending cosy wood-panel charm, cold beer and local live music into a friendly town-square living room.
La Boutique
7.2 km
Elegant wine bar and bottle shop on Næstved’s Axeltorv, where curated wines, fine spirits and gourmet details turn a simple drink into a small celebration.
Sluk Efter
7.2 km
Unpretentious local pub on Kindhestegade in central Næstved, pouring cold beers and simple drinks in a cozy, social setting from midday to late night.
Humle Ølbar
7.3 km
Cosy craft beer bar in central Næstved, pairing a rotating selection of Danish and international brews with intimate, hygge‑rich surroundings.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Entertaining
- Cultural Heritage
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Modern Designs
- Industrial Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Modern
- Industrial
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
- Protected Area
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
